PREMIER LEAGUE
Mauricio Pochettino
Having introduced ‘Antonio Conte’s back-three’ before the Chelsea manager had arrived in the Premier League, he used a range of systems according to the opposition, beating everybody except Liverpool this season. His touchy-feely approach helps bond the squad and the whole at Tottenham is bigger than the sum of the parts. He can be tough too, though. Just ask Kyle Walker. Vincent Janssen failed to provide the goals when Harry Kane was injured and £30m for Moussa Sissoko? Offset against that, Vincent Wanyama for £11m was one of the bargains of the season. Champions League qualification was the aim at the start of the season and he smashed it. Pochettino nearly became a victim of his own success by raising hopes of the title, and next season the demands could be tougher. There is a lot of warmth towards Pochettino. While others moan and groan about their lot, he will never criticise referees or the Premier League fixture computer. He exudes a genuine warmth, especially at difficult times. TOTAL 40/50
LIVERPOOL Jurgen Klopp
Relentlessly attacking. Stuck resolutely to 4-3-3 and the style which served him well in Dortmund; pressing high and hunting lost possession immediately the ball is surrendered. Fluid and, at times, unstoppable up front. Froze out Mamadou Sakho early and frustrated at times
Pep Guardiola
His play-from-the-back philosophy was a delight to watch but cost City at times. Lots of attacking football and goals but not always in the key games. Surprised by the number of teams prepared to simply defend against City home and away and what referees will allow. Made a big early statement by offloading Joe Hart, exiling Yaya Toure and dropping Sergio Aguero. Very demanding. Players have to embrace his methods or move on. Decision to loan Hart and buy Claudio Bravo backfired. But Gabriel Jesus was an instant hit, Leroy Sane improved steadily, Ilkay Gundogan looked class before his injury, while John Stones will be better for a season under Guardiola. Title challenge faded away far too early and failed to win a trophy for the first time in eight seasons. Had Vincent Kompany been fit all season it might have been different. Started and ended the campaign brilliantly and the signs look good for next season. Intense, demanding and appears to live on nervous energy. Struggled to keep a lid on his frustration at times when his team failed to perform. TOTAL 33/50 with Daniel Sturridge’s fitness, but otherwise his arm was always round a shoulder. Excellent use of young players and never publicly critical. Sanctioned four signings last summer – Sadio Mane (£34m), Marko Grujic (£5.1m), Joel Matip (free) and Loris Karius (£4.7m) – so quite good on balance, but might have acted in January to bolster squad. Following eighth place in his first campaign (30 games), fourth represents both progression and success. Losing semi-final of EFL Cup was disappointing particularly given the games it added to schedule in January. Charismatic and engaging, he maintained sunny disposition even when things went against him. That transmitted to the dressing room and he remained popular with players, owners and the fans. TOTAL 39/50
Arsene Wenger
In September, Antonio Conte changed tactics and turned his side’s results around. Wenger did the same…205 days later. Finally showed he could re-invent, which was too late for the league but in time for FA Cup final glory. For two decades this has been his watchword. But too many contracts running out has led to too much uncertainty and accusations of favouritism. Granit Xhaka for the same price as N’Golo Kante. Bargain Lucas Perez when he needed a big-money striker. He even made Shkodran Mustafi look like £35m wasted by picking up Rob Holding for peanuts. It’s the classic school report. “Arsene sets too low targets and this term has failed to achieve them.” Prides himself on fourth, fans want the title – huge disappointment only lifted by FA Cup success. When people hire aeroplanes to say you’re rubbish and rip up £100 tickets, you have a PR issue. TOTAL 21/50